When Google’s Pixel 7a finally debuted in May 2023, there were not too many surprises — this was one of the most ‘leaked’ smartphones. We’re seeing more and more high-profile smartphone launches preceded by unofficial leaks of specs. However, that’s not the only reason the Pixel 7a grabbed the tech headlines; it is one of the best smartphone cams at its price point. The Pixel 7a illustrates that you don’t need to splurge on a flagship smartphone for a sharpshooter.
Smartphone brands have upped their camera game to stay in the competitive market. We round up some of the best camera smartphones in the price range of Rs 15,000 - Rs 40,000.
Under Rs 40,000
Google Pixel 7a: The Pixel 6a was one of our favourite camera phones under Rs 45,000 in 2022. The Pixel 7a makes big improvements over its predecessor with a 64MP primary lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. Google’s Pixel cams have an edge in low light with Google’s Night Sight. The tech giant has aced computational photography over the years with a whole bunch of camera tricks. There’s Magic Eraser that allows you to remove annoying photobombers from your images and Photo Unblur that allows you to ‘fix’ images that are shot on other devices. One of our favourite camera features on the 7a is the Long Exposure Mode.
Price: Rs 39,999 (after a Rs 4,000 instant cashback on HDFC cards)
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: This one is a significant step-up over its predecessor, the A53. The triple rear cam brings together a 50MP lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 5MP Macro lens. Images are quite impressive on the ultra-wide lens. The primary lens benefits from OIS (optical image stabilisation) while Samsung’s ‘Nightography’ solution and AI capabilities ensure the A54 5G delivers impressive results in low light at this price point. Your images and videos look good on the immersive display — a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display (1080x2340 pixels) — that also features a 120Hz refresh rate.
Price: Rs 38,999
Under Rs 30,000
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G: It’s the first phone in India to come with the 200-megapixel pro-grade HPX Sensor and combined with Xiaomi's super OIS, gives staggering details. The presence of atomic layer deposition (ALD), an Ultra-Low Reflection Coating, cuts down on glare for better results in complex lighting situations. The rear cam also includes an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro lens. This device is backed by a robust 4980 mAh battery.
Price: Rs 29,999 onwards
OnePlus Nord 2T: This OnePlus is a throwback to the OnePlus-es of old and scores on the features that matter the most for most users. One of these features is the rear cam. It combines a 50MP Sony IMX766 primary lens with an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP mono-lens. The Nord 2T delivers impressive images in low light. It gets a boost from OIS and OnePlus’s Night mode. We were impressed with the Night Panoramas on this device. There’s also a 32MP selfie cam that won’t let you down.
Price: Rs 28,999 onwards
Under Rs 20,000
Vivo T2 5G: Vivo’s smartphone delivers good bang for your buck on multiple fronts including the overall camera performance. The dual rear cam on the T2 5G combines a 64MP primary lens with a 2MP portrait lens. Low-light performance is above average and it gives one of the better low light results at this price point. This device also shoots sharp portraits and includes a 16MP selfie cam. It misses out on an ultra-wide lens though.
Price: Rs 18,999 onwards
iQOO Z7 5G: iQOO has positioned this as a fully loaded sub-Rs 20K smartphone. It comes with quite a few impressive features and feels good in your hand — the device weighs just above 170gm. The camera specs are quite similar to the Vivo T2 5G. It doesn’t boast of an ultra-wide camera but shoots some of the best portrait images in this segment across lighting scenarios. The iQOO Z7 5G features a dual rear cam that is headlined by a 64MP primary lens with OIS.
Price: Rs 18,999 onwards
